DOJ Tweaks Foreign Agent Form for Clarity
Published Date: 4/10/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Justice is updating the form that foreign agents use to register with the government. This change affects anyone who needs to file Form NSD-1 and aims to make the process clearer and more efficient. Public comments are open until June 9, 2026, and the update won’t add extra costs or big time burdens.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
FARA registrants must file NSD-1
If you are required to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (22 U.S.C. 611 et seq.), you must file the Registration Statement (Form NSD-1) for public disclosure. The filing is required by statute and regulations, and failure to provide the information is subject to the penalty and enforcement provisions in Section 8 of FARA.
Low time burden and no filing fee
The DOJ estimates 113 respondents will complete Form NSD-1 annually, with each respondent taking 0.75 hours to complete the online form (total annual burden 84.75 hours). There is no filing fee (total estimated annual other costs burden: $0.00), and the form is filed once for the duration of the assigned registration number's active status.
Revised e‑File webform to ease filing
The Department is revising Form NSD-1 into an improved e-File webform that the agency says is intended to make the registration process clearer and more efficient and permits electronic submission. The improved e-File features were considered when estimating the 0.75 hour completion time.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07018 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Revision of a Previously Approved Collection; Exhibit B to Registration Statement of Foreign Agents (Form NSD-4)
The Department of Justice is updating a form (NSD-4) that foreign agents must fill out to register with the government. They want your feedback by June 9, 2026, to make sure the form is clear and useful without causing extra hassle. This update affects foreign agents and aims to keep the process smooth while meeting legal requirements.
Next: 2026-07020 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Revision of a Previously Approved Collection; Title: Short Form to Registration Statement of Foreign Agents (Form NSD-6)
The Department of Justice wants to update a short form (Form NSD-6) that foreign agents use to register with the government. They’re asking for public feedback by June 9, 2026, to make sure the form is clear and useful without adding extra hassle. This update affects anyone who files this form and aims to keep the process smooth and efficient.